Outrageous Faith | A Response to COVID-19

Covid-19 is here. The past couple of weeks has been really tough for people around the globe. You look everywhere, there’s only news of Covid-19. The virus has created not just a health emergency but a financial crisis for some. In a nutshell, people are scared, fearful and anxious about the future. Leaders around the globe are calling for a complete lockdown, a nationwide quarantine to curb the spread of the virus.  

A crisis of this scale can reorder society in dramatic ways, for better or worse. But moments like this also present an opportunity. In the 2008 recession, when everyone was talking about markets crashing, there was an opportunity for new businesses. Did you know businesses like Instagram, Uber, Slack were all founded during the financial crises? Now all worth billions of dollars. When all seemed lost, someone saw an opportunity. In the same way, what’s our response as disciples of Jesus? What’s the response of the Church? I believe this is our opportunity.
 

Buildings may be closed, but NOT THE CHURCH!

As a precautionary measure, meetings with large gatherings are temporarily halted. Which means several church buildings are closed. Does that mean the Church has stopped? NO! We are the Church, Paul writes we are the temple of Jesus. Our hearts must be open, especially at such a time as this. 

The good news has never stopped being good. I’m grateful for churches around the globe, using technology to bring the good news of Jesus. As disciples, Jesus commanded us to advance no matter what. I’m writing this blog hoping and praying it would bless someone. In the same way, you can do your bit to advance the Kingdom of God. 

Jesus washed the feet of His disciples having known he was heading to the cross. His servant-first approach is a reminder for us to serve the church in whatever way we can. Whether we’re in lockdown or not, I pray that you would be stirred up to serve people in whatever way we can. 

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
— Romans 12:11 (NIV)

An Opportunity for Outrageous Faith

I see a trend in God’s Word. That is in times of trouble, or great persecution, the Church arises. It seems like God has a way to deal with His people during tough times. In the old testament, I’m reminded of the passage in Numbers 13. Moses sends out the 12 spies to explore Canaan. You know the story, out of the 12, Only Caleb and Joshua advised to immediately to take the land; for his faith, Caleb was rewarded with the promise that he and his descendants should possess it. In the face of fear, I love how they expressed their Faith.

Jesus is our greatest example. He went through persecution, pain, and rejection. Yet Jesus knew the will of the Father. His mission as mentioned in Luke 19-10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” That was His single devotion, in times of great triumph and in times of persecution, even to the point of death. His devotion should be a constant reminder for us as disciples to follow Him and love others, even at times like these.

For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
— Hebrews 3:14 (NLT)

Paul’s Encouragement

Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 2:9 – “for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained”. Reading this, I’m so stirred up to go deeper into God’s Word. The Word of God is alive, and unlocks the freedom to access God’s mind. The gospel still remains the “Good news”, to all of man. I believe it’s in times like these the Church must arise to show the world about our faith. A faith that believes in God in the face of such a time.   

Your Response Counts

That’s all I’ve got. So, what are you going to do? Faith is an action that has to be expressed. I believe God is inviting all of His people to respond, just like He has been all through the ages.  

In closing, to all the young people reading this, let’s use this time wisely. Let’s flatten the curve of fear with faith. To the students, you may be at home, bored, all alone. But I personally believe now is the time to go back to the heart of Jesus. Spend time in His Word. There are apps and tools (like YouVersion) where you can read bible plans together online with your friends. Call a friend, text an encouragement to someone. Pray, intercede for our nation and the nations. Spread the love of Jesus in every creative way you can think of. I pray our generation would be an example to steward God’s invitation at this time. 

So, what’s your response? Make it Count!

I hope you’ve been blessed by this short read. Stay safe, God bless. You can check the rest of my blogs here. Feel free to share this with others. You can get in touch me – samfaith.mathews@gmail.com